Asbestosis vs Mesothelioma: Key Differences and Workers’ Compensation Rights.

 

Due to asbestos exposure, asbestosis vs mesothelioma are often confounded in occupational disorders. Both diseases can develop from continuous asbestos exposure, but they have different causes, symptoms, and workers’ compensation claims. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with either of these diseases, understanding their differences and how to navigate the California workers’ compensation system is essential to getting the benefits you deserve.

What is Asbestosis?  

Chronic asbestosis is caused by long-term asbestos fiber inhalation. These fibers can lodge in the lungs and cause inflammation and scarring if breathed. The disease usually develops after years of asbestos exposure in industrial or construction environments.

Symptoms of asbestosis include shortness of breath, persistent coughing, and chest stiffness or pain.

Despite its crippling effects and risk of lung cancer and heart failure, asbestosis is not malignant. However, it greatly raises the risk of other malignancies, particularly mesothelioma.

What is Mesothelioma?

A rare and aggressive cancer of the lung, heart, or abdominal lining, mesothelioma. Cancerous mesothelioma has a dismal prognosis, unlike asbestosis. Asbestos fibers cause organ cell alterations and tumors after extended exposure.

Different forms of mesothelioma depend on its origin:

  • Pleural mesothelioma (lung cancer)
  • Abdominal mesothelioma
  • Pericardial mesothelioma (heart lining

Key Differences Between Asbestosis vs Mesothelioma

While asbestosis vs mesothelioma are related, there are numerous major differences:

Disease Description

  • Asbestosis is a non-cancerous disorder that produces lung scarring from inhalation.
  • Mesothelioma is a malignancy that affects the lung, heart, and abdominal lining.

Symptoms and Development in asbestosis vs mesothelioma

  • Asbestosis normally causes shortness of breath, chronic cough, and chest discomfort. Exposure to high asbestos levels causes it over time.
  • Mesothelioma has more severe symptoms such weight loss, abdominal edema, and lung fluid accumulation. Mesothelioma can develop decades after exposure.

Prognosis in asbestosis vs mesothelioma

  • Asbestosis can cause lung failure or heart issues, but is not fatal. However, lung cancer risk rises dramatically.
  • Due to its aggressiveness, mesothelioma has a terrible prognosis, with most patients living one to two years following diagnosis.

Treatment Options in asbestosis vs mesothelioma

  • Asbestosis is typically treated by symptom control and preventing further exposure. Oxygen therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs may assist, but there is no cure.
  • Treatments for mesothelioma include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Most patients are diagnosed late, therefore these treatments focus on extending life and increasing quality of life.

Asbestosis vs Mesothelioma Victims’ Workers’ Compensation Rights

  • If asbestosis vs mesothelioma is linked to your job, you may be eligible for California workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that compensates workers injured or ill on the job. This method pays for medical, rehabilitation, missed wages, and other expenses.
  • But the process is complicated, and some factors can affect your eligibility, especially for asbestos-related diseases.

File a California Workers’ Compensation Claim

If you get asbestosis or mesothelioma from work, you must make a workers’ compensation claim with your employer’s insurer. This is the typical process:

  • Report Your Asbestos Injury or Illness: California law requires you to notify your employer within 30 days of recognizing symptoms. Delays in reporting may result in claim denial.
  • Seek Medical Treatment: After diagnosis, seek medical attention immediately. Your employer’s insurance carrier may force you to see a preferred doctor. Make sure your doctor records your diagnosis and work-related exposure.
  • Complete the Claim Form: Your employer or the asbestos exposure compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) can provide a DWC-1 form to start the claims procedure. This form describes your sickness, medical history, and occupational exposure.
  • Provide Evidence of Asbestos Exposure: Asbestosis and mesothelioma are caused by asbestos exposure, thus you must prove it happened at work. Your case can be strengthened by work records, environmental tests, and witness testimony.
  • Wait for Claim Decision: The insurance company will analyze the claim and decide. After your Claiming Compensation is accepted, you will receive medical, lost wage, and other benefits. You can appeal a denied claim.

Final Thoughts 

Exposure to asbestos can induce deadly asbestosis and mesothelioma. Understanding the differences between the two diseases and your workers’ compensation claims is crucial if you have either. California workers with asbestosis or mesothelioma can receive workers’ compensation for Asbestos related lung cancer exposure, lost earnings, and other expenses. With the correct legal assistance from expert asbestos lawyers, you may get the asbestos compensation you deserve and safeguard your future. If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos, contact California workers comp lawyers today to explore your options and safeguard your rights. At Law Office of Spiro K Pistiolas, we represent the best asbestos injury lawyers who have handled a wide range of cases. Get in touch with us today at (844) 414-1768!

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